RECAP: Rockets hold off Spokane, clinch playoff berth
The Kelowna Rockets secured their spot in the 2023 WHL Playoffs with a 5-4 overtime victory over the Spokane Chiefs on Saturday at the Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena in Spokane, WA.
The Rockets only needed a single point to clinch the final spot in the western conference.
Up 4-0 in the second period, Spokane mounted a comeback that saw them make it a one-goal game heading into the third period. With 2:02 to go in regulation, the Chiefs tied the game, they then pulled their goaltender for the remained of the third period – to keep their playoff hopes alive they needed to win the game in regulation.
As the horn sounded, Cade Hayes and a cluster of Rockets came together. Hayes was assessed a five-minute major that gave the Rockets a power play for the entirety of overtime. Captain Gabriel Szturc found the back of the net for the second time in the game 2:24 into extra time.
GAME SUMMARY
Gabriel Szturc (20) and Elias Carmichael (6) struck 1:33 apart before the midway point of the first period.
Marcus Pacheco (10) and Dylan Wightman (13) pushed Kelowna out to a four-goal lead early in the second period. Spokane then charged back with goals from Cade Hayes (20), Carter Streek (16) and Jaren Brinson (3) to make it a one-goal game at the end of 40 minutes. Berkly Catton (20) tied the game with 2:02 to play in the third period.
While on the power play in overtime Rockets captain Szturc (21) scored the game-winner.
ADDITIONAL STATS
- Jari Kykkanen made 37 saves on 41 shots
- Spokane outshot Kelowna 41-25
- Gabriel Szturc was the game’s first star, Berkly Catton was the second and Tommaso De Luca was the third star
- Kelowna was 2/5 on the power play, while the Chiefs were 1/4 on the man advantage
- The Rockets record is now 25-34-3-0
- The Rockets were without Carson Golder, who was suspended after last night’s hit on a Vancouver Giant. The length of his suspension is TBD. http://whl.ca/discipline.
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UP NEXT
The Rockets busy weekend will wrap up with a 4:05 pm game tomorrow in Tri-City.
Kelowna’s next home game will be their RE/MAX: Nickelodeon Night for the Children’s Miracle Network on Saturday, March 18th when they take on the Kamloops Blazers at 7:05 p.m. PT.
The Rockets will be wearing a special edition SpongeBob SquarePants themed jersey to celebrate the night that will be up for auction during the game. Proceeds from the silent auction will go to the BC Children’s Hospital.
Single-game tickets for all Rockets home games are on sale at Select Your Tickets. Tickets can be purchased online through www.selectyourtickets.com, at the Prospera Place box office, or by phone at 250-762-5050.
